chapter 3

Elias hesitated for a second, but then he quickly shook his head and refused.

"No, this won't work. Leah is pregnant, and if she leaves me, she can't survive in this high society circle. What if she receives retaliation from her coworkers in her previous company?”

Elias then firmly said, "I can agree to other conditions, but marrying Leah is non-negotiable."

"Sophia,” he went on gently, “I know you're not happy about this. You can scold me or punish me, but Leah is innocent. She..."

I interrupted him with a cold laugh.

"Elias, it was just a joke. Did you really take it seriously?"

I smiled icily and added, "I never stooped to taking something unwanted, especially from someone like you who lacks loyalty. I find it repulsive."

Elias obviously didn't expect me to be so straightforward. His face turned from green to white, and finally he frowned and responded.

"Sophia, after all these years, you're still so stubborn and arrogant."

"You should learn from Leah how to be more considerate and sensible. Otherwise, besides the Everetts protecting you, who else will tolerate your temper once you're out of this circle? Who will sincerely want to marry you then?"

I was fed up with his condescending lecturing, so I picked up the pen on the table engraved with our initials and walked away.

"I don't need you to judge me."

I strode out of the storage room, and not long after, I bumped into Leah in the garden corridor of the family estate.

When she saw me, the fleeting panic in her eyes disappeared and was replaced by a gentle smile.

"Miss Sophia, I was just about to thank you. Mr. Everett arranged a guest room for me and Elias in the estate. It's really nice."

I tried to step back subtly to create some distance, but she quickly stepped forward and took my arm, pretending to be affectionate.

"Elias didn't tell you how we ended up together, did he?"

Sweetly, she began telling their story. "That day, he was drugged at a remote market by his opponent, and I happened to see it. I stayed with him all night to take care of him..."

As she spoke, she intentionally blushed and lowered her head, her voice coming out softly.

"Afterward, I was going to leave quietly, but Elias held my hand tightly and refused to let go, saying he had to take responsibility for me and marry me."

She looked shy on the surface, but her eyes were fixed on the pen in my hand, with a hint of agitation.

"After all that I've said, you should understand, right? Elias and I are truly in love. I know a capable man like Elias must have many admirers, but our wedding is already set. No one would be so rude as to interfere, right?"

Leah smiled. "The Everett family has a good reputation in the circle, with strict family values. They wouldn't raise someone who steals other people's fiancé, right, Sophia?"

After beating around the bush, it turned out she was waiting to pin the blame on me.

I smirked, raised my hand, and threw the pen I was holding. It made a loud "bang" as it embedded deeply into the carved railing next to Leah, the tip sinking into the wooden gap.

"How did you 'accidentally' meet Elias? Do you really not know in your heart?"

Leah was so scared that her legs gave out, leaving her sitting on the ground and looking up to see Elias approaching quickly. Her eyes shone, seemingly gaining confidence, and her tone sharpened.

"Sophia Everett! Elias is already engaged to me. Why are you still holding onto his past tokens? What are you trying to achieve?"

Not yet through with her theatrics, she went on, saying, "Elias only has me in his heart. If he really cared about you, why would he suggest breaking off the engagement? It's time to give up on this fantasy of yours!"

I snorted and raised my hand to slap her.

"You’re just a secretary who climbed up the ranks by playing tricks. Do you really think Elias will protect you forever?"

"Sophia, what are you doing?!"

Elias grabbed my wrist before I could strike, his eyes filled with anger.

I pulled my hand back, staring back at him without backing down.

"Do you really think you're someone important? Don't forget, you used to be my personal assistant. Without my dad, you wouldn't have achieved what you have today."

I sneered at them. "Take care of your woman in the future. If I hear her making a scene again, I'll find someone to shut her up."

Elias was stunned by my words, standing frozen in place for a while before looking at Leah on the ground.

Leah was about to cry, but she saw Elias walking over and carefully removing the pen from the railing. She continued to watch as he handed the pen to me after wiping it clean.

I couldn't be bothered to guess what Elias was up to, so I just glanced coldly at Leah, who was still on the ground with her eyes full of resentment, before finally walking away.

"Take her to the arranged guest room. She's carrying your child; don't let her be a nuisance here."

After taking a few steps, I disdainfully looked back at Elias.

"Oh, by the way, when you see me in the future, you better address me respectfully as Miss. Don't forget your place."

Then, like an afterthought, I added, "And don't touch my things casually; you're not worthy."

I walked away without looking back, heading towards the fountain pool in the manor. I raised my hand and fiercely threw the pen into the fountain pool.